Bianchi linked to Force India 2012 seat

Jules Bianchi could be headed to Force India to become the team's official reserve and 'Friday' driver in 2012.

That is the claim of German-language Auto Bild Motorsport, referring to the Ferrari-backed Frenchman who finished this year's GP2 championship in third place.

Bianchi, 22 and a Ferrari test driver in 2011, "is a great talent and he had a positive season in GP2 but he needs to grow and gain experience next season", Ferrari's Stefano Domenicali said last week.

"I cannot say now where he will be," added the Italian, "but for sure we want to invest because we believe in him."

Auto Bild claims Bianchi, who is managed by Felipe Massa's manager Nicolas Todt, is a frontrunner to be Force India's third driver next year.

That role is currently occupied by German Nico Hulkenberg, who is tipped to move into the Silverstone based team's race seat in 2012.